Vani’s Turkish Odyssey: A Journey of Discovery with Her Sons
“It’s absolutely beautiful!” Vani exclaimed to her sons as they sailed on the mesmerising Bosphorus Dinner Cruise on their first evening in Turkey.
“It really is, Mom! Look at those lights!” her younger son replied with excitement as they passed under the glittering Bosphorus Bridge.
The idea of sailing between two continents - Europe and Asia - was surreal. Moreover, the soft evening breeze carried the scent of the sea and Istanbul’s skyline shined in the golden light of sunset.
Completely moved by the scenery, Vani’s older son asked, “Is this how every night in Istanbul feels?”
As their boat glided along, the mood on the board shifted from surprise to celebration. Turkish music filled the air, and the live DJ set the stage for a memorable night. Vani saw her sons being captivated by the view and the lively energy surrounding them.
Even the dinner was a delicious spread of Turkish cuisine. Vani offered a bite of lamb kebab to her son and insisted, “You have to try this!” But, it was the baklava at the end of the meal that had everyone in agreement. “Now, this is amazing!” her younger son said with a smile.
With the city lights reflecting off the water traditional belly dancers and a folklore show adding to the excitement, everything looked spectacular.
A Step Back in Time
One of Vani’s sons was very much interested in the history of the place. So, they set out to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks through the stories of the Ottoman and Byzantine eras. The first stop on their way to historical exploration was Hagia Sophia.
“It is incredible to stand inside a place that has witnessed centuries of change,” Vani remarked.
The grandeur of the massive dome, the intricately designed mosaics, and the rich history surrounding the site left both her and her sons in awe.
Next came the iconic Blue Mosque with its stunning domes and minarets, followed by a wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar. The market’s labyrinth of colourful stalls was a sensory experience like no other.
A whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells enveloped them. Each corner was filled with merchants selling everything from handwoven carpets and lanterns to spices, ceramics, and shining jewellery. Even the scent of fresh Turkish coffee mixed with the spicy aroma of kebabs grilling nearby created an intoxicating blend.
“This place is incredible!” her younger son exclaimed as they passed a stall displaying ornate lamps that seemed to twinkle in the dim light.
Vani saw her sons eagerly taking on the challenge of bargaining for souvenirs. Watching them negotiate over a hand-painted ceramic plate, she laughed saying, “I loved seeing how excited my sons were to haggle.”
Every deal they struck brought smiles and nods of approval from local shopkeepers.
A Glimpse into Nature
After the historical buzz of Istanbul, Vani and her sons took a much-needed escape to the natural beauty of Bursa. They took a scenic ferry ride across the Izmit Gulf to enjoy views of the peaceful waters and distant mountains.
The family also made their way to the Uludağ Mountain through a cable car ride. This ride up the mountain was an adventure in itself, with sweeping views that left Vani and her sons breathless.
The lush greenery and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys made them feel like they had been transported to a different world.
She cherished the time spent with her sons, sharing stories and laughs while taking in the beauty of their surroundings.
A Dreamy Day at Pamukkale
Pamukkale or the Cotton Castle was next on Vani’s family adventure, and it lived up to all their expectations. The stunning white travertine terraces, filled with warm mineral-rich waters, seemed almost surreal against the blue sky.
They felt like they were walking on clouds.
Both of Vani’s sons were particularly fascinated by the thermal pools, and they spent time walking barefoot along the terraces while marvelling at the natural beauty of the area.
The visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis also added another layer of intrigue to their day. Seeing graves from thousands of years ago, an ancient theatre and the famous Sacred Pool with its Roman columns scattered beneath the surface made them awestruck.
A Land of Fairy Tales
When Vani’s family finally arrived in Cappadocia, they knew that it was the perfect finale for their Turkish adventure.
One early morning, they watched the hot air balloons began to rise with the first light of dawn, painting the sky with vibrant colours. Their hotel offered a prime view of this breathtaking scenery, which looked magical when viewed from a distance, floating over the valleys and rock formations.
Although Vani did not go up in a balloon herself, she could not stop admiring the view from the ground...
After soaking in the magical sunrise, they set out to explore Red Valley, where they hiked through the surreal rock formations that seemed to change colour with the sun. The ancient cave dwellings scattered along the trail were also a reminder of the deep history of the region.
But their visit to the Underground City attracted their attention the most. As they walked deep into the network of tunnels and chambers that were carved into the earth centuries ago, Van’s sons were left spellbound.
“It is mind-boggling to think that people actually lived here to escape persecution.”
Final Thoughts
As their 10-day Turkish adventure came to an end, Vani could not help but reflect on how special the trip had been.
She remarked, “Turkey has so much to offer - whether you want to explore ancient ruins, hike through stunning landscapes, or simply relax. This trip was everything we hoped for and more.”
We will definitely be back one day.
Read more: Thrillophilia Turkey Reviews